Film to Theatre: Jason's Lyric - Live on Stage

 Je'Caryous Johnson is back with another live adaptation of a classic black film.  Jason's Lyric Live! features the reprise of Allen Payne in his role of Jason as well as Treach as his role of Alonzo.  

Stokley Transforms Into Rick James in New Live on Stage Play

The kind you don't take home to Motha.

Songwriter, Producer, Musician, and Lead Singer of the Group... Mint Condition.  THAT Stokley.  Taking on a new challenge, he transforms into the incomparable icon, Rick James.  Super Freak: The Rick James Story brings the journey of his energetic life of highs and lows (double entendre intended) live on center stage.

Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2024 Lineup Features Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Katt Williams, Jon Stewart & More

For 11 days, comedians from all over the world will gather in the city of Los Angeles, CA for the biggest comedy festival in North America.  Produced by Netflix in association with Live Nation, this celebration of comedy will feature over 300 live stand-up shows at over 35 venues, special events, sketches, table reads and so forth.

Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Katt Williams, Jon Stewart, Trever Noah, Bill Burr, Mike Epps, Maya Rudolph, John Mulaney, Chris Rock, David Letterman, Wanda Sykes, Marlon Wayans, Sam Jay, Phil Rosenthal, Cedric the Entertainer, Jeff Ross and soooooo many more.  I mean truly, the list is extensive and impressive.  The event is even hosting the 'Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady', which will be recorded for Netflix.

Pharrell Is Searching For a Black Female Lead in Upcoming Film

Robyn Beck/AFP

Okay we wrote this for a purpose

to motivate you at this time...

Word to Hot n Fun.  Pharrell is advertising a role for what could be some lucky young lady's big break!  That young lady may be you.  As he prepares for the upcoming musical film developed by Universal Pictures, Pharrell put out the casting call In Search Of (see what I did there) a Black female lead between the ages of 19-25 years old that has talent with singing and dancing.  In addition to that specificity and being a U.S. Resident, here's how to apply:

{Personal Post} PHOTOS- Spike Lee: Creative Sources Exhibit

First and foremost, let me say... can you believe I ran into thee Spike Lee there!?!?  I'll get to that.  

The "Spike Lee: Creative Sources" exhibit would be appreciated by any fan.  Almost every single solitary piece was sure to provoke thought or conversation.  You, also, realize from the range of autographed memorabilia here, just how much Spike is loved and important to our culture.  I am so glad he got to receive his flowers on this level while he can still smell them.  

Cause I know you got soul... Brothas and Sistaaas!

This is an extensive ride.  Buckle up.

Today Only: National Cinema Day is Back with $4 Movie Tickets

It's that time again for National Cinema Day!  In 2022, Regal and AMC were the focal points in advertising this celebration.  It was such a massive success that more theater chain(s) have joined in on fun this year!  Here's what you can expect:

$4 Movie tickets, last year it was $3, but you know... inflation, with expected taxes and/or online convenience fees.  The actual ticket, however, is $4.  ALL DAY; in any format (IMAX, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, 4DX, RBX, etc).  

I participated last year and saw the movie 'Beast' with Idris Elba.  I plan to participate again this year.  My last visit to the movies was in July to see Travis Scott's film 'Circus Maximus'.

From Screen to Table: NETFLIX Pop-up Restaurant Opens this Month

From episode to entrée, with Netflix Bites we are creating an in-person experience where fans can immerse themselves in their favorite food shows. We are excited to collaborate with these incredible chefs who will bring this vision to life and showcase an array of their delicious menus.

- Josh Simon, VP of consumer products.

While there has been lots of discourse surrounding NETFLIX 'crack down' on password sharing, the streaming company seems to have their focus on something else.  Food!  The pop-up restaurant will feature dishes from the world renowned chefs, whose culinary shows you've seen on NETFLIX.  This includes “Chef’s Table,” “Is It Cake?” and “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” 

NETFLIX BITES will be housed at the Short Stories hotel in Los Angeles, CA.  Chef lineup?  

Dominique Crenn-"Chef’s Table" , "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend"

Nadiya Hussain- "Nadiya Bakes"

Ann Kim- "Chef’s Table: Pizza"

Rodney Scott- “Chef’s Table: BBQ"

Curtis Stone- "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend"

Ming Tsai- "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend"

Jacques Torres- "Nailed It!"

Andrew Zimmern- "Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend"

Prominent mixologists LP O’Brien, Kate Gerwin, Julie Reiner, and Frankie Solarik were, also, snagged to curate custom cocktails for the pop-up's drink menu.  

NETFLIX BITES opens June 30, 2023.

115 S Fairfax Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

5pm-10pm Daily

10am- 2pm Sat & Sun Brunch

Click here to make reservations!

s.o. to Variety

Related Post:  Tupac Pop-Up Restaurant Open for a Limited Time

{Trailer} Art is Life: Kid Cudi plays The Man on the Moon in Upcoming Kids Film "Crater"

You know the best thing about road trips?

you get to leave everything behind...

Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi released his critically acclaimed debut "Man on the Moon: The End of Day" album in 2009.  In 2023, he is literally playing just that... a man on the moon.  Crater is set in 2257, focusing on a group of four kids living on a lunar colony.  They hijack a rover to go explore a mysterious crater ahead.    Cudi plays one of the kids' father.  Made by the producers of the hit series, "Stranger Things", it's sure to be a good one.  Check out the trailer after the jump!

Film to Theatre:: B.A.P.S - Live on Stage ... starring Blac Chyna

Turns out there was a little truth to that twitter rumor that there would be a B.A.P.S. remake.   The cult classic has been adapted by Je'Caryous Johnson, who previously did New Jack City Live this past year.    Angela Renée White a.k.a. Blac Chyna revealed in an Instagram post that she will be reprising the infamous role of Nisi; played by Halle Berry in the original 1997 film.   

Per the official website, the B.A.P.S. live description seems to steer close to the original plot of the film: Join the hoodtastic duo, ‘Nisi’ & ‘Mickey,’ as their entrepreneurial dreams quickly turn into a royal reality when their black girl magic turns the ailing millionaire into a vibrant man causing him to praise them as his very own personal Black American Princesses.  

The first show kicks off on May 12th, 2023 8pm in Detroit, MI.  

{Watch} "Show Me"... a short film by Joey Bada$$ featuring Serayah

I never knew a love that wasn't painless...

Directed by Levi Turner and McCray Sutherlin, Joey enlists actress Serayah (Empire, BMF, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as his love interest. 

The pair give us a steamy, yet relatable, visual for his "Show Me" record, which released on Joey's 2022 album - 2000.  

Can't spell 'us' without 'trust'

Put the lust aside, there's some things we gotta discuss...

Watch the short film below:

AMC Theaters Offering $5 Movie Tickets during #BlackHistoryMonth

"AMC seeks to embrace diversity and identify opportunities to educate and empower."

Starting today, AMC Theaters is offering a price special during Black History Month.  Through four cycles, movie goers will be able to purchase $5 movie tickets for the film selected on that cycle.  

More details on the select films and cycle dates after the jump!

{Watch/Teaser Trailer}- First Look: "Barbie" starring... Margot Robbie

 I'm a Barbie girl.  In a Barbie worlllld.

A few photos have surfaced the net this year for this highly anticipated film, which btw Margot Robbie is PERFECT for this role.  Now the first teaser trailer has arrived and if it's any indication of what to expect with the film, this is going to be great. 

Directed by Greta Gerwig, watch the first look after the jump!

Also keep a look out for Issa Rae's cameo 

Film to Theatre:: New Jack City- Live on Stage

Flex Alexander, Allen Payne, Big Daddy Kane, Treach

 The promo poster began circulating on Twitter yesterday and many people questioned was it real?  The answer is YES.  It is 100% real.  Je'Caryous Johnson is presenting a live adaptation of the film to the theatre stage, from Nov. 4, 2022- Jan. 22, 2023.  Tickets are on sale now and there is currently a code offered to get $20 off per ticket.  

{Watch}:: "We Cry Together"... a short film by Kendrick Lamar featuring Taylour Paige

Months ago, this released for an exclusive viewing in a select LA theater for a limited time.  Today, Kendrick released it to the masses.  The song was already a conversation starter when the “Mr. Morale &  The Big Steppers” album hit the waves.   Directed by Jake Schreler, Dave Free & Kendrick himself, the 'We Cry Together' short film is a parallel picture painted.  

Stop tap dancing around the conversation.

 Watch in full below:

This Weekend Only: $3 Movie Tickets at Regal Cinemas and AMC Theaters

You read that right.  3 bucks.  

In celebration of the inaugural National Cinema Day, Regal Cinemas and AMC Theaters are offering $3 movie tickets this Saturday only, September 3rd.  While you can expect taxes and perhaps convenience fees for online purchases, there are no upcharges for the actual ticket.  This means all formats, including... IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, and RBX etc will be available for $3.  

Just Dialogue: Movies/TV Shows I Watched during Quarantine (pt. III)

We have reached a part III of this saga... all whilst going into year 3 of the pandemic *sigh.  It's becoming difficult to keep these as just dialogue with no spoilers.  I have things to say!  Maybe that can change for the next one.  Anywho, I'm certain there are a few that I'm forgetting.  They'll be thrown on the next post.  Let's get into it:

BMF (Black Mafia Family)/STARZ

"at least you can wish me luck... ".  I had been WAITING for this show since being announced a couple years ago.  It exceeded expectations.  Everyone played the hell out of their role and the pacing of the story was perfect... which is very important in any series or film.  Kudos to 50.

  

Just Dialogue: Movies/TV Shows I Watched during Quarantine (pt. II)

Even thoooough 'outside' has opened back up... there is still a full pandemic going on.  Being in the home majority of the time is the new norm.  Like part. I, this is just dialogue.  No "reviews" per se, no order.  Just sharing.  This post is long overdue and some I watched months ago will reflect that.  These are ones I recommend.  I decided to keep a few of the ones I thought were ok and/or hated (i.e. The Little Things) off the roster.

Start Up

An engaging series about Tech. Money. Murder.  All wrapped in one.  Once you get into it, you can't get enough.  The first couple episodes may start off a little slow, but hang tight... you're in for an unexpected ride.  You can find all three seasons on NETFLIX.  Double claps for Ronald Dacey.  

 

Latest:: Wiz Khalifa to star as George Clinton in biopic, Killer Mike will appear in new 'OZARK', Dave Chappelle performs 'Creep' and more...

This film has been in the works since 2011 and is finally into play (no pun intended).  Written and directed by Timothy Scott Bogart, "Spinning Gold" is a biopic about Casablanca Records' run in the 1970s that homed several artists including The Isley Brothers, Bill Withers, Parliament, Donna Summer etc.  The acting credits feature a pretty good roster.  Wiz Khalifa as George Clinton, Ledisi as Gladys Knight, Tayla Parx as Donna Summer, Jay Pharoah, Jason Derulo, Michelle Monaghan, Pink Sweat$, and 'Pussy' from Sopranos... Vinnie Pastore to name a few.   

No release date as of yet, but Capstone is said to introduce the pic to Cannes market buyers this week.  

s.o. to Deadline. 

____________________

I went from waiting to find out what happens next to being part of it... I'm excited.

- Killer Mike

Ozark fans like myself have been patiently waiting for the 4th and final season to make its way to Netflix.  I won't include any spoilers from last season, however, they turned the anticipation up a notch.  Billboard exclusively revealed that Killer Mike (Run the Jewels) has been casted and will run into Ruth 'at her lowest point'.  Talk about suspense.  In addition, we're getting 14 episodes instead of the normal 10. 

____________________

 On June 20th, Foo Fighters held the first full capacity show since Covid at Madison Square Garden. Surprisingly, Dave Chappelle came out and performed one of the best songs ever... "Creep" by. Radiohead. This was so pure... and made me so happy :D (similar to how I reacted to Prince's rendition). Another reason to love Dave.  Sing along if you know it. Watch below:

{Watch}:: Trippie Redd's new docuseries, "Life's a Tripp", tackles Social Issues across the U.S.

"We can't afford to look the other way anymore..."

"Life's a Tripp" is a new Snapchat docuseries from Trippie Redd that dives into pertinent social and political issues happening across the U.S.  Episodes will include conversations with the LAPD, Mental Health, Opioid addiction, Discrimination, LA's infamous homeless community of Skid Row and more.  G-Eazy, Miguel, and Machine Gun Kelly are said to be featured on the episodes including others.

I always commend our youth for taking a step out of their 'zone' and addressing what is happening in the community.  You don't have to be a conscious rapper to show that you care.  Keep a lookout for episodes to populate on Snapchat's YouTube channel as the weeks go by.  In the meantime, you can check out Episode 1 here:

Related Post: {Streaming Now} 5 Movies Worth Checking Out ... #BlackHistoryMonth

{Watch}:: Mary J. Blige's "My Life" Documentary Trailer

Continually touching millions across the globe.

Her music has definitely been apart of my playlist in some rough times.  Celebrating 25 years of the "My Life" album, Mary J. Blige is now giving us an intimate documentary of her.. the woman.  Executive produced by Mary herself and Diddy, we are welcomed into her world of the real and all that comes with it.  Blessings and demons alike.   Debuting exclusively next Friday on AMAZON, June 25th.  This is going to be great.  Watch the trailer below: 

Related Post : Women's Empowerment Wednesdays:: Be Happy | Mary J Blige

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